Didier Schmitt

European Space Agency (ESA) • Head of Future Preparation

Didier Schmitt is an internationally recognized expert in space policy, strategic foresight, science and technology, with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of space exploration, public policy, innovation, and international cooperation. A medical doctor and Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Immunology, he combines a strong scientific background with extensive leadership experience across Europe’s leading institutions.

Since November 2024, Didier Schmitt has served as Head of Future Preparation at the European Space Agency (ESA), where he leads strategic planning for the future of human and robotic exploration. In this role, he oversees strategy and communications, stakeholder relations with ESA Member States, international partners and industry, future mission studies, technology de-risking, artificial intelligence and software initiatives, as well as commercialization activities. Prior to this appointment, he led the Strategy and Coordination Group for Human and Robotic Exploration from 2020 to 2024 and previously coordinated Space19+, ESA’s Ministerial Council, which shaped Europe’s long-term investment and policy agenda for space exploration.

From 2015 to 2018, he served at the European External Action Service (EEAS), where he was responsible for the security, defence and diplomatic dimensions of European space policy. His work focused on strengthening cooperation between EU Member States, the European Commission and industry while advancing the international aspects of European space programmes. He also contributed to environmental diplomacy through policy support for Antarctic Marine Protected Areas.

Before joining the EEAS, Didier Schmitt spent almost six years at the European Commission. As Scientific Adviser and Foresight Coordinator in the Bureau of European Policy Advisers (BEPA), he advised senior political leadership on long-term scientific and technological developments, emerging megatrends and innovation policy. His responsibilities included cross-disciplinary foresight, knowledge exchange, engagement with academia, industry and civil society, and liaison with the President’s Cabinet. He also published opinion pieces in leading international newspapers and journals, including Le Monde, Les Échos, The Guardian and The Scientist. Earlier, as Space Policy Officer, he prepared high-level ministerial meetings, drafted policy documents, led science and technology foresight exercises, and developed public outreach initiatives to communicate European space policy.

Didier Schmitt began his career at the European Space Agency, where he served as Programme Manager from 1997 to 2009. As Head of the Life Sciences Programme, he directed activities related to human health in space and exploration preparation, coordinated cooperation with the International Space Station partners—including the United States, Russia, Japan and Canada—and established a multidisciplinary programme for space applications.

His academic career includes a position as Associate Professor at the International Space University, where he taught life sciences, as well as four years as Research Team Leader at the University Hospital of Toulouse. His research focused on human adaptation to extreme environments, including spaceflight, Antarctic expeditions and long-duration confinement.

Didier Schmitt holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the Universities of Strasbourg and Toulouse and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Immunology from the University of Strasbourg.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2026

5 - 9 October 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2021

25-29 October 2021

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2018

1–5 October 2018

Bremen, Germany

Participation: